Apply Online
Schedule a Call

Affordability

Pennymac leader on policy shifts to ease homeownership barriers

2026 Housing Economic Summit, Affordability, Donald Trump, Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Housing Inventory, Housing Market, HWmember, Interest rates, Manufactured Housing, Mortgage, Mortgage Rates, PennyMac, Real Estate, Trump administration /

As housing affordability remains strained, policymakers and industry leaders are weighing how regulation, mortgage markets and tax policy shape access to homeownership. Isaac Boltansky, head of public policy at Pennymac, fielded questions on the matter from Robb Van Raaphorst, senior vice president at Rational 360. Boltansky said debate in Washington, D.C., reflects growing urgency around […]

Pennymac leader on policy shifts to ease homeownership barriers Read More »

Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers

Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers

Affordability, First-Time Buyers, New Construction /

Buying your first home can feel frustrating when the numbers don’t line up the way you expected. You may know you’re ready but finding something that fits your life and your budget is the hard part. That’s where townhomes come in. Townhomes are becoming a bigger part of today’s housing supply, and that shift is

Why Townhomes Are Popular with Today’s First-Time Buyers Read More »

Will New York’s manufactured housing law reshape home financing?

Affordability, Affordable housing, Manufactured Housing, Policy, The Builder's Daily /

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a long-awaited state law designating manufactured housing as real estate in December. In the 11 months ahead, the question is whether the newly enacted measure can deliver on its promised mortgage-style financing or stalls amid legislative rulemaking. Regulators, lenders, and manufactured housing advocates will spend this year working out

Will New York’s manufactured housing law reshape home financing? Read More »

Offsite building faces scalability hurdles as Builders First Source expands

Affordability, Homebuilders, Residential Real Estate, Technology, The Builder's Daily /

Offsite construction is often hailed as the panacea for housing shortages and labor constraints. In practice, it faces the realities of a cyclical, regional business. Builders who buy these companies outright often end up tying capital to rigid factories that can’t flex with demand. Recent experiences at PulteGroup and Veev make this clear. Why is

Offsite building faces scalability hurdles as Builders First Source expands Read More »

Washington seeks to reset ground-floor retail rules for residential buildings

Affordability, Affordable housing, Policy, The Builder's Daily /

A fight over ground-floor retail mandates could become one of the most consequential zoning debates of 2026, with Washington state lawmakers moving to curb mandatory storefronts in new residential buildings. A bill in the Washington state Senate would flip the script on commercial zoning, requiring cities with more than 30,000 residents to allow housing by

Washington seeks to reset ground-floor retail rules for residential buildings Read More »

Retirement accounts become emergency funds as financial stress rises

Affordability, Baby Boomer, HWmember, Retirement, Reverse, Social Security /

Long-term retirement accounts are increasingly serving as sources of emergency funds as American workers confront rising costs and persistent financial anxiety, according to multiple recent studies. Surveys from Allianz Life Insurance, Payroll Integrations and F&G Annuities and Life show Americans cutting back on retirement contributions and tapping savings meant for later life to cover immediate

Retirement accounts become emergency funds as financial stress rises Read More »

WalletHub says these are the best states for retirees in 2026

Affordability, Florida, HWmember, Retirement, Reverse, Reverse Mortgage Daily, South Dakota, WalletHub, Wyoming /

A new WalletHub study compares all 50 states to identify where retirees may find the most favorable balance of affordability and quality of life — with Wyoming taking the top spot. The analysis highlights wide disparities between states, with some offering budgets that stretch much further than others. Following closely behind Wyoming were Florida, South

WalletHub says these are the best states for retirees in 2026 Read More »

Utah lawmakers target starter homes with lot size reform

Affordability, Affordable housing, Policy, Reform, The Builder's Daily /

Utah lawmakers opened their 2026 legislative agenda with a proposal to revive a once-bedrock fixture of the American Dream of homeownership: starter homes. By streamlining permit approvals and rezoning for smaller property lots, Beehive State legislators will try to pry open a path to first-time homeownership. The bill would reduce minimum lot sizes to encourage

Utah lawmakers target starter homes with lot size reform Read More »

Indiana bill targets housing affordability with state zoning changes

Affordability, Affordable housing, Policy, The Builder's Daily /

Another state vs. local jurisdiction showdown is brewing up in Indiana. Lawmakers there are poised to strip cities of much of their power over where and how new housing is built, setting up a clash over who holds the reins of local growth and – critically – housing development. Indiana’s proposed bill would transform how

Indiana bill targets housing affordability with state zoning changes Read More »